By: Qhawekazi Memani – 14 March 2023

Associate Professor and Acting Manager for the Vaal University of Technology (VUT)’s Institute of Chemical and Biotechnology (ICBT), Prof Fanyana Mtunzi: recently scooped two major awards at the Faculty of Applied and Computer Sciences’ research awards ceremony. The two awards were for outstanding excellence in research and the most established researcher.

Prof Mtunzi obtained his PhD at the University of North-West (UNW), now North-West University (NWU) in 2007 and which employed  him as a lecturer the same year before joining VUT in 2008 as a Senior Lecturer. Because of his hard and commitment, he was promoted to associate professor in 2019 and in 2022 was elevated to full professor. Prof Mtunzi has published 123 papers and supervised and co-supervised 5 PhD students, and 13 Masters students. He served on several committees including Faculty Research and Innovation Committees (FRIC), Senate Library Committee, Chemistry Research Coordinator and many others.

Ecstatic about the achievement, Prof Mtunzi said: “It is a huge honour for me to have received the two research awards. I am deeply honoured by the Faculty for this recognition of my work, my students, and my collaborators. I am fortunate to have started my research journey and offer my services to this institution.”

He added: “This institution and the incredible colleagues who work here have taught me many things I know today. I have learned so much by just observing their work ethics, dedication, and commitment to their profession. When I started at VUT I had two published papers, and as we speak now, I have achieved a lot.”

“Your sincerity has inspired me to step up my game and to be better. Being a researcher is no child’s play, and it has been a long road to reach this point. I am because you are. Together we can do more,” he concluded.